Import Models - The Decade Revisited 1998

Our Ten Hottest Models And The Most Significant Landmarks

Over the course of ten years, we've witnessed the tuning scene go through some dramatic changes. What started off as a subcultural aberration in the 70s turned into a full blown pop cultural phenomenon by the late 90s, and the last decade saw Corporate America, along with Hollywood, take notice on what was once an automotive taboo: import tuning. Thanks to the influx of non-endemic media and other factors, the tuning scene grew exponentially and thrust into the main light. Drivers from our scene were getting endorsement deals, tuners graced the silver screen, import models started to break into the mainstream, and OE car manufacturers and the public at large started to rethink import performance.

Coincidentally, it was at the beginning of the impending maelstrom that Import Tuner was born. Branching off from big brother Turbo magazine-the "bible" of its era-2NR focused on the burgeoning tuning lifestyle: cars, tech, parts, girls, and events. A formula that we keep true to this day. And while it would be damn-near impossible to squeeze over 116 issues worth of 2NR deliciousness in a single story, what we've done instead is gathered a timeline of our scene's major milestones in our 10-year history and reshot the hottest girls in the game. Think of it as Tuning History 101-only the teachers are the top ten import models of all time.

1998JanRays Engineering introduces the first mold-forged wheel, the Volk TE37 to the U.S. This iconic wheel would go on to sell 250,000+ units globally and spawn countless knock-offs. Roys and Rats Engineering, this means you.

FebSEMA introduces the Import Auto Salon, a show catering to the tuning market.

AprilApril 18: Initial D, the anime story about a tofu delivery boy and his AE86 comes out in Japan... which is about the time we should've bought a Hachi.

What have you been up to since 2NR:We also just celebrated the 10th year anniversary for FrancineDee.com. For our decade feature, we implemented 24 hour cams in my Vegas crib!

Do you remember when you first saw your issue?:I was ecstatic! I was in college at the time and even my professors complimented the cover. I was the baddest girl on campus!

How has 2NR impacted your life?:The whole industry has been an amazing platform. It has allowed me to venture off into other fields and I have met so many wonderful individuals and learned a great deal of things. The import industry has been an exciting training ground for me and I feel very privileged and grateful. To Import Tuner: I'm honored to be part of such a successful publication. Thank you for everything.

Thank you list:My Mommy, Thomas, C.S.P&D, Phil and Jen C., Yorke, David G., Recon, The P, Sherweezy, Carter J., my bia's, my beloved fans, the import industry, and most of all God who has blessed me with so much.

1999JanThe R34 GT-R is released...in Japan.

FebWhile still in New Zealand, Hondata launches a Staged system for JDM B16A ECUs.

What have you been up to since 2NR:When my cover came out, the response was overwhelming. Around the same time, my Playboy and Hustler spreads came out and I also won the title of the first "Miss Hot Import Nights" in 2000. After that, I was a busy bee...I started my own website, a lingerie line, did some TV work for Comedy Central, Playboy TV, MTV & FX. I appeared in many more issues of Playboy, tuner magazines, calendars, and just recently, Penthouse magazine!

Do you remember when you first saw your issue?:2NR was my first magazine cover and I remember seeing it on the newsstand. It was surreal. I was so proud of my cover. I still have it framed on my office wall! Plus, my spread in the magazine was right when the editors were changing the 'look' of the magazine, so it was a little more risque and sexy. People still comment on the implied shot that was in the article!

How has 2NR impacted your life?:2NR opened a lot of doors for me in the import scene. It is the best of the best. Once you land a cover of 2NR, you have reached the top of the industry standard. 2NR helped launch my successful career into the household name that I am in the import scene. Thank you for having me on your cover!

Thank you list:Import Tuner of course, my wonderful family, HIN for helping my import career become what it is today, my fabulous and supportive boyfriend Eric, my best friend, Cho, all of my friends who I treasure, and of course my awesome fans who have been there to support my career since day one!

2000AprilApril 6: Hasport is the first to release a commercially available, billet aluminum engine mount kits for Honda swaps.

MayMay 14: Maplegrove, PA. Steph Papadakis and his Civic are the first to break into the 8s in a FWD with an 8.93 @ 164 mph at a NIRA event.

What have you been up to since 2NR:I've had the opportunity to work on a ton of cool projects. I've been on commercials, ad campaigns and in magazines around the world and I was the first Asian model to work as a Barker Beauty on The Price Is Right. I've also been working towards my acting career and have had many cameos on popular television shows and movies. I recently landed lead roles in music videos for Panic At The Disco, Enrique Iglesias and Janelle Monae. I'm also working on my own clothing line and model website called 'YiXotica'. I'm looking for up and coming as well as established models, so if you'd like, you can fill out an application on YiXotica.com!

Do you remember when you first saw your issue?:I couldn't get over how big my feet looked! Kidding! I loved the sneakers. I've had a bit of a sneaker addiction ever since.

How has 2NR impacted your life?:2NR was the jump start to my career in the import scene. You showed me a lot of love. I am forever grateful for the doors that your exposure opened.

Thank you list:Thank you Import Tuner! I love you guys! I'd like to thank all my friends and fans who have supported my career--you guys continue to bring a huge smile to my face--and DogHouseFM.com.

What have you been up to since 2NR:A lot of modeling and traveling for HIN. I recently retired from modeling due to a scooter accident in Thailand that I was recovering from.

Do you remember when you first saw your issue?I don't remember the exact moment, but I remember thinking, "Wow, I'm the girl in the magazine."

How has 2NR impacted your life?2NR gave me so much exposure. I got a lot of great work from people seeing me in the magazine, which lead to traveling...and my favorite part: the cover!

Thank you list:Thanks to Carter for getting me back into the swing of things (dragging me-kicking and screaming-out of retirement).

2002JanTein releases the EDFC, a module allowing the adjustment of coilovers from the cabin of the vehicle.

MarchAEM drops the first US-developed plug and play ECU with the EMS

Infiniti releases the G35 sedan.

March 15: Honda introduces the EP3 Civic Si with the K20A3 engine.

AugThe Progress Group's '99 Civic Si, built by Jeff Cheechov, is the first to breech 200 mph in a production body Honda at Bonneville Speed Week, by running a 204.287 mph with E. John Thawley III behind the wheel.

What have you been up to since 2NR:Well, I finally graduated from Cal State Fullerton and I've been workin' the automotive circuit like crazy. I'm still a part of the Falken Tire family, and have joined Valvoline for their 2008 tour. But the cake topper is my new gig hosting Formula Drift TV! You can catch the season on the SPEED Channel starting in October!

Do you remember when you first saw your issue?:I was so excited! It was my first magazine cover, ever. We only shot one pose for the cover and I was concerned we needed variety, but after seeing the issue, I remember thinking, "Thank God, they got the shot they needed."

How has 2NR impacted your life?:Sheesh...it only helped start my career, which lead to many appreciated relationships. I shot for Import Tuner just six months into my modeling and it opened the industry's eyes to my potential. Now, five years later, I'm still going strong and expanding my career into the fashion industry, working with Sinful Things and Volcom Clothing.

Thank you list:I'd like to thank my mom...no really, I'm serious! The encouragement from Mickey, my family, friends, and especially my fans who have supported me throughout my career and has gotten me to where I am now...in the 10th anniversary edition of Import Tuner!!!

What have you been up to since 2NR?:Busy working/modeling my lil' butt off!

Do you remember when you first saw your issue?:Yes, I remember seeing my issue of 2NR on the newsstand-it was the most awesome feeling, ever! I was jumping up and down and I made sure that any magazine rack I passed I reorganized the tuner magazines so that my cover was in the front of every row!

How has 2NR impacted your life?:2NR was the first magazine I ever shot for and definitely the most important to my career. The shoot with Import Tuner was the liftoff point of my modeling career and I give you guys a ton of credit for putting me in the scene. I love you guys!

Thank you list:Thanks to everyone at Import Tuner, my manager Chelsea Yang, my awesome parents and all my sisters, and the 'Elite 7'-I love all of you.

2004FebFebruary 6: Hondata releases the K-Pro, making tuning available to K-Series Honda owners.

AprilApril 6: First time attack event in the US comes to Buttonwillow, CA. Signal Auto's R34, with Tarzan behind the wheel, kills the event with a 1:54.2.

What have you been up to since 2NR:I'm currently filming season 4 of Deal or No Deal and pursuing my acting career here in LA. I'm also traveling in the US and internationally for the LUX 5 show, visit www.lux5events.com for more info. I'm also developing my own fashion line. Hint: B.E. Original

Do you remember when you first saw your issue?:I couldn't believe how amazing the photos turned out. Actually, the very first time I saw the issue was at Super Autobacs, believe it or not!! I was walking in and a guy stopped me and said "excuse me, are you the girl on the cover of this month's Import Tuner?" I was stunned because I hadn't seen the photos yet. Then he went to his car and grabbed it and asked me to sign it. I kept staring it and thought how cool for me to see it for the first time...at Autobacs...with a 2NR fan! Sweeeeet!

How has 2NR impacted your life?:Well, besides me being a reader for life... it helped others out there in the tuner world get to know Ursula Mayes, especially since the year it came out I was also Miss Hot Import Nights. Thanks for always 'tuning' my world inside out!

Thank you list:God and the 3 F's: family, friends and fans; and of course to Carter and everyone at the Import Tuner family.

2005MayMay 15: Marty Ladwig and his Chevy Cobalt are the first FWD to break the 200 mph barrier in the quarter mile with an 8.069 second @ 202.02 mph pass at an NHRA event at Atco Raceway, NJ.

JulyJuly 9: After being shut out by domestics in a Japanese-born sport (think Dream Team, pre-2008 Olympics) Calvin Wan takes the first-ever Formula D win in an import, with the Falken G35 at Infineon Raceway.

AugAugust 27: Rhys Millen takes the 2005 Formula D championship.

SeptSeptember 27: The improved EVO 9 is available from Mitsubishi.

OctThe IS250 from Lexus goes on sale.

October 15: HIN introduces its outdoor show concept with the first NightShift event in Phoenix, AZ.

Do you remember when you first saw your issue?:Yes, it was very emotional for me-I was jumping up and down like a little girl at Disneyland! It's a great feeling to see yourself on the cover in newsstands everywhere!

How has 2NR impacted your life?:2NR has definitely made me a recognizable face in the scene. You guys gave me great exposure and a chance to talk a bit about myself.

August 10: Acura releases the RDX with the turbocharged K23, a first for the US Honda market.

August 18: E John Thawley III and company cemented the 200+ mph run from four years prior by running an average of 203.009 mph, inducting the Progress Civic as the first production body Honda in the Bonneville 200 MPH Club.

AugAugust 3: Travis Pastrana takes home his second X Games gold in Rally.

August 22: Doug Macmillan, from Hondata, takes a Rotrex supercharged '05 Acura RSX and sets the record for the fastest production body Honda/Acura by running 234 mph at Bonneville. The only Honda faster was a Honda F1 race car with a 246mph run.